Reflective Listening

What Is It Good For?

This communication tool will help you focus on participants' real, specific issues and concerns, rather than what you think these are. Reflective listening will stave off possible misunderstandings and provide a clearer picture of concerns, interrelationships, and the decision process.

Practice truly listening and reflecting what you heard back to participants.

How Do I Use It?

Rather than figuring out a reply to a person's comment while he or she is speaking, figure out a paraphrase of that comment. Repeat the comment back ("In other words, . . ." or "So what you are saying is . . ."). You will get a confirmation or a further clarification ("Yeah, that's what I mean" or "No, I mean . . ."). This process can also give you time to clarify your thoughts so that you can respond to the comment.

To practice listening in a team or a small group meeting, you might have one person say what he or she feels is the most important aspect of a study. Then the next team member would paraphrase that comment and add his own comment.

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